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Draw Yourself Calm: Draw Slow, Stress Less
Discover the relaxing, mindful practice of slow drawing
Whether you enjoy drawing and doodling or are looking for a way to de-stress, boost creativity, and reconnect with what matters most, this appealing guide will invite you in to the soothing art of slow drawing.
With 25 nature-inspired patterns designed to relax the mind, Draw Yourself Calm provides a welcome break from our stressful, always-on world. Ditch perfectionism, tune in to the moment, and nurture yourself creatively and spiritually – one line at a time.
Whether you enjoy drawing and doodling or are looking for a way to de-stress, boost creativity, and reconnect with what matters most, this appealing guide will invite you in to the soothing art of slow drawing.
With 25 nature-inspired patterns designed to relax the mind, Draw Yourself Calm provides a welcome break from our stressful, always-on world. Ditch perfectionism, tune in to the moment, and nurture yourself creatively and spiritually – one line at a time.
144 pages, Paperback
Published September 6, 2022
80 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 17, 2023
3.5 stars. 4 stars for the ideas, patterns, instructions, and the intentions of the artist. 3 stars for the repetitive nature of the writing. The instructions were clear, but the information before each of the drawing activities overlapped and I was re-reading the same feelings and ideas of the author. I've been drawing for years, but I'd still like to try all of the calming patterns. Personally, I feel it's a good book for novice and advanced artists. It opens up the mind to relax and enjoy the process of art in a simplistic way.
November 5, 2022
In this Book Amy Miracle talks about the importance of taking the time to nurture yourself and do some small 2"x 2" or 3" x 3" pictures of the things she takes time to look at more closely in nature and around the sea. She first talks about the supplies you need which are basically a waterproof ink pen and some paper, sometimes they are done in watercolor. She does a live class usually every Wednesday on Facebook at 1 pm. This book is only the tip of the iceberg of her drawings called "Slow Draw" sessions at the Mindful Art Studio on FB. I have taken every slow draw with her since the beginning of the pandemic, and am in love with the process, started with a few minutes of meditation then into the drawing session. Followed by a discussion. all done in an hour. You deserve one hour a week to slow down and relax. I highly recommend this book to help an artist continue to do her work and maybe even take a class, check her out.
December 12, 2022
I'm stunned. I've owned several books on art over the years as well as books on meditation, mindfulness, and many other topics. This book is exceptional in how it helps a person uncouple from their persistent perfectionism in everyday life. My creativity block has gotten worse these past few years. Not just in creating art, but in writing and anything else that needs the creative spark. Her book is the first one that doesn't send me into panic mode and is soothing and enjoyable right from the start.
Gift yourself one of the most amazing books to help your creativity and get Draw Yourself Calm: Draw Slow, Stress Less by Amy Maricle
Her book delivers more than I would have ever dreamed and I'm incredibly grateful to have been given this book as a gift. It has quickly become one of my all-time favorite art books. So thankful she gave the world this book! I sincerely hope this author decides to do more books in the future as she has a sharp knack for cutting through the noise and voices in our heads that stop our creativity in its tracks.
Gift yourself one of the most amazing books to help your creativity and get Draw Yourself Calm: Draw Slow, Stress Less by Amy Maricle
Her book delivers more than I would have ever dreamed and I'm incredibly grateful to have been given this book as a gift. It has quickly become one of my all-time favorite art books. So thankful she gave the world this book! I sincerely hope this author decides to do more books in the future as she has a sharp knack for cutting through the noise and voices in our heads that stop our creativity in its tracks.
April 18, 2023
Info: Diese Rezension bezieht sich auf die deutsche Edition des Buchs, erschienen bei Dorling Kindersley Deutschland mit der ISBN 3831046824
Das Zeichen und Malen kann sehr entspannend sein. Viele Menschen denken gleich an Kinderzeichnungen bzw. Kinderkram, wenn dieses Thema im Raum steht. Dabei das langsame Zeichnen und das langsame Malen sehr gut für Erwachsene geeignet, dem Stress des Alltags zu entfliehen bzw. diesem mit etwas mehr Achtsamkeit entgegenzuwirken.
Die Autorin Amy Maricle gibt sehr bewusst an, dass sie in diesem Buch eine Anleitung bzw. Inspirationen gibt, um den Leser und der Leserin einen Leitfaden an die Hand zu geben, wie eine solche Zeichnung ausschauen kann. Diese 25 Ideen hat sie sehr ausführlich Schritt für Schritt in dem Buch zu Papier gebracht, damit der Leser eine Ahnung davon bekommt, wie eine solche Zeichnung entsteht.
Die Motive sind dabei sehr abwechslungsreich, so dass der Leser schon im Umgang mit diesen Ideen weit kommt. Wer sich dessen annimmt, wird feststellen, dass alles weitere quasi von selbst kommt, so man denn die Tipps beherzigt, die in diesem Buch zu finden sind.
Fazit
Der Begriff »Achtsamkeit« fällt immer häufiger. In meinen Augen ist dies auch notwendig, denn immer mehr Menschen huschen und eilen durch den Tag und können nur noch ihre Angelegenheiten »schnell, schnell« durchführen und umsetzen. Eine Entschleunigung ist hier angebracht und sehr wohltuend und wenn es nur 10 Minuten am Tag sind.
Das Zeichen und Malen kann sehr entspannend sein. Viele Menschen denken gleich an Kinderzeichnungen bzw. Kinderkram, wenn dieses Thema im Raum steht. Dabei das langsame Zeichnen und das langsame Malen sehr gut für Erwachsene geeignet, dem Stress des Alltags zu entfliehen bzw. diesem mit etwas mehr Achtsamkeit entgegenzuwirken.
Die Autorin Amy Maricle gibt sehr bewusst an, dass sie in diesem Buch eine Anleitung bzw. Inspirationen gibt, um den Leser und der Leserin einen Leitfaden an die Hand zu geben, wie eine solche Zeichnung ausschauen kann. Diese 25 Ideen hat sie sehr ausführlich Schritt für Schritt in dem Buch zu Papier gebracht, damit der Leser eine Ahnung davon bekommt, wie eine solche Zeichnung entsteht.
Die Motive sind dabei sehr abwechslungsreich, so dass der Leser schon im Umgang mit diesen Ideen weit kommt. Wer sich dessen annimmt, wird feststellen, dass alles weitere quasi von selbst kommt, so man denn die Tipps beherzigt, die in diesem Buch zu finden sind.
Fazit
Der Begriff »Achtsamkeit« fällt immer häufiger. In meinen Augen ist dies auch notwendig, denn immer mehr Menschen huschen und eilen durch den Tag und können nur noch ihre Angelegenheiten »schnell, schnell« durchführen und umsetzen. Eine Entschleunigung ist hier angebracht und sehr wohltuend und wenn es nur 10 Minuten am Tag sind.
November 9, 2022
Amy Maricle is an art therapist who has come up with a book of mindful art exercises that focus on the moment of drawing simple patterns she has gleaned from nature. The book has come out of her weekly slow drawing exercises on Facebook. This is a book without blank pages that you find in many workbooks. They are easier than zentangles. I look at the world in a different way now when I take my morning walks. She encourages us to make our own interpretations of each pattern with the goal of mindfulness and calm.
September 23, 2022
I discovered Amy Maricle on Instagram, and have participated in her weekly Slow Drawing parties for the last twelve months. As happens to everyone, life had other plans, so I've missed quite a few. Not only does this book included many of her slow drawing patterns, but presents prompts and examples of ways the patterns can be expanded, varied and combined. I checked out a library copy to determine whether I wanted to add it to my personal collection, and definitely think it is worth it.
March 2, 2023
This is just a wonderful book with simple patterns that look so great when done, and create calm and flow while you draw them. I like the whimsy, I like the simplicity that leads to complexity, and these are things ANYONE can draw. No skills needed, just pen and paper. Highest rating possible! I love this book!
March 15, 2023
Nothing wrong with the book, but as someone who would doodle elaborate full page doodles in school notebooks and is probably more “artsy”, I’m probably not the target audience for this. It comes across as a gentle and competent introduction to meditative line drawing for people who haven’t ever really dabbled in creative pursuits.
November 14, 2022
I highly recommend 'Draw Yourself Calm' by Amy Maricle. As a novice, I struggled to find books and teachers that have been able to approach my learning style. This book is a winner, no matter where you are in your art journey!
April 14, 2023
This book goes along with the authors blog . . .slowly drawing bits, and painting tiny little shapes . . . all to get the artist to slow down and relax. She then puts some of these together to form larger images. Rather fun and totally relaxing.
September 19, 2023
Heck yes! If you struggle with meditation...or drawing...try meditation AND drawing! Essentially this book is about choosing a simple design in nature and drawing it repeatedly to be in the moment, not necessarily to create art, but the art is still beautiful.
July 12, 2023
Love this book & will keep it in mind as gift for friends who would appreciate it!
May 2, 2023
Incredibly relaxing! I loved this slow drawing technique so much! I'm usually a person who loves lots of color and cuteness when I draw or paint, so I wasn't sure if I would like this type of art for my sketchbook. But, it's wonderful!
Although the size of the text is very small and a little hard to read, the set up of the book is great. Learning to draw in order to stress less and relax is such a lovely idea. It's something I need very much in my life right now, too.
It was not only calming to read, but the drawing exercises are unique, appealing and soothing. Although I didn't love all of the patterns, some of them have now become staples in my artwork and sketching. I highly recommend giving each of the different techniques a try. I did each one of them 2-3 times, just to figure out which ones made me feel the most relaxed.
All you need is a fine liner black pen and some paper. You don't even need a sketchbook, but I now love having one specifically for this type of drawing. (Mine is a small Hahnemuhle watercolor sketchook.)
This is now one of my favorite drawing books! I'm only a beginner artist and I've only started keeping a sketchbook for year, so you don't need any experience before buying this book. Give it a try!
Although the size of the text is very small and a little hard to read, the set up of the book is great. Learning to draw in order to stress less and relax is such a lovely idea. It's something I need very much in my life right now, too.
It was not only calming to read, but the drawing exercises are unique, appealing and soothing. Although I didn't love all of the patterns, some of them have now become staples in my artwork and sketching. I highly recommend giving each of the different techniques a try. I did each one of them 2-3 times, just to figure out which ones made me feel the most relaxed.
All you need is a fine liner black pen and some paper. You don't even need a sketchbook, but I now love having one specifically for this type of drawing. (Mine is a small Hahnemuhle watercolor sketchook.)
This is now one of my favorite drawing books! I'm only a beginner artist and I've only started keeping a sketchbook for year, so you don't need any experience before buying this book. Give it a try!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews